City, counties prepare for icy conditions; schools closed

Thursday

Jan 24, 2013 at 6:58 PMJan 24, 2013 at 8:10 PM

Note: Oak Ridge schools will be closed FridayThe National Weather Service issued a winter storm advisory this afternoon for the East Tennessee Valley and the Southern Appalachians — warning of probable freezing rain and subfreezing surface temperatures by Friday morning.

by Beverly Majors/Staff

Note: Oak Ridge schools will be closed Friday.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm advisory this afternoon for the East Tennessee Valley and the Southern Appalachians — warning of probable freezing rain and subfreezing surface temperatures by Friday morning.

Local Public Works Departments were making preparations this afternoon for the storm.

Employees of the city of Oak Ridge have prepared for possible disruptions to city services, including widespread and extended power outages.

Oak Ridge city offices will open at noon on Friday, according to a city news release. Some additional information to know if the storm hits:

• Citizens are urged to remain at home and not to travel. If travel is unavoidable, please use extreme caution, not only when driving but also walking. Sidewalks, driveways, and other pathways may be icy.

• DO NOT call 911 to report a power outage. To report a power outage call (865) 425-1803.

• The Oak Ridge Police Department will only respond to accidents involving injury or significant road blockage. All other accidents that do not involve injury can be reported to the Police Department on Monday. An officer will be dedicated to receive these reports on Monday.

• The Oak Ridge Fire Department will be prioritizing all calls and the most critical calls will be responded to first. Do expect delays in response times.

• The Neighborhood Watch Banquet scheduled for Friday has been canceled and will be rescheduled to a later date.

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In Anderson County, Road Superintendent Gary Long said his Department is ready if inclement weather comes.

"They're (National Weather Service) calling for it and we're ready," Long said. County road workers will be plowing and chipping on county roads, and unlike Oak Ridge or metropolitan areas, Anderson County has no brine for road treatment.

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Other tips should power loss occur:

• Be sure to turn off any appliance that was turned on prior to the outage.

• Do not use gas grills for heating or cooking indoors.

• Take precautions while using kerosene heaters. Please follow the manufacturer's recommendations on how to operate the heater properly and prevent carbon monoxide emergencies.

• When using electric or any type of heater, make sure proper space is created and maintained for the heater.

Other information and the city's Winter Weather Plan can be found on the city's website at

www.oakridgetn.gov.

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The American Red Cross announced today it would open six emergency shelters in anticipation of inclement weather. Shelters will be available to stranded motorists and local residents who have lost power to their homes. The shelters will be located in Anderson, Campbell, Jefferson and Knox counties.

Shelters in Anderson County will be at First United Methodist Church, 1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike; Anderson High School, 130 Maverick Circle, Clinton; and in Campbell County at Caryville Elementary School, 120 Cardinal Circle, Caryville; and Jellico High School, 141 High School Lane, Jellico; in Knox County at the American Red Cross, 6921 Middlebrook Pike.

The Red Cross recommends having the following items on hand in a convenient spot:

• At least a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food;

• A flashlight, battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and extra batteries;

• A well-stocked first aid kit;

• A 7-day supply of medications and medical items; and

• Supplies for babies and pets.

When a storm is coming:

• Listen and watch for critical information from the National Weather Service.

Due to predicted inclement weather, access to the Y-12 National Security Complex will be restricted to essential personnel on Friday. Employees can check the Y-12 information line at 241-1212, and all Y-12 web (www.y12.doe.gov) and social media (Facebook and Twitter) will be updated with the latest status through the remainder of the weekend.

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Officials with Anderson and Roane counties' schools announced Thursday afternoon that schools would be closed Friday. County officials called for Anderson County Courthouse to delay opening for two hours.

Beverly Majors can be contacted at (865) 220-5514.

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